“No pressure” for live recording

Jun 22 2012 by Sandy Kilpatrick, Dumfries Standard Friday

THREE talented young bands have been given a “great opportunity” to showcase their sound and raise cash for charity.

August Road, Depardoo (both originally from Wallace Hall Academy) and The Same Old Strangers (based in Castle Douglas) will bring in cash for the Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary children’s ward baby monitor when they give a concert on Saturday.

The bands will perform at Dumfries and Galloway College’s Sports Hall and this will be the first time a concert of this type has been held at the Crichton Campus venue.

As well as having their very own EPs recorded when they take to the stage the trio will be filmed and have their gigs uploaded for the world to watch on YouTube.

Guitarist and vocalist for August Road, Andrew McDonald, told the Standard it was “a challenge” balancing an eight-piece band.

He said: “We’ve got four guitarists now. It can get a bit mad at times but it works together well. We have a lot of creativity.”

He added: “This is our big demo and with it being live there’s no pressure!

“Once it’s recorded it will be mixed together but you can’t mix out a mistake.”

Depardoo, once a self-proclaimed “post-funk nursery core progressive acid jazz” band, now just play whatever feels right.

Eighteen-year-old guitarist Jack Gordon, from Thornhill, said: “If you step out with a plan you make life hard for yourself.”

The band hosts a trumpeter and organist.

Drummer, Alec Gordon, aged 17, from Dumfries, added: “We’ve got lots of different instruments, it can sound a bit mental sometimes.”

Band mentor, Liam Kennedy added: “Each group will perform a 40-minute set featuring their own music and cover songs.

“It’s a great opportunity for them and a great way to raise some money for charity.

“None of them have ever done anything like this before; it’s the first time there’s been an event like this at the college.”

To hear some of their stuff search for August Road, Depardoo, and The Same Old Strangers on Facebook.

Doors open for 6.45pm.

Tickets are £5 and available by calling 07718764887.